So, after a 100% prediction record in Round 2, I am all the more encouraged to stick my neck out in the quarters too.
Here we go...
BRAZIL v/s THE NETHERLANDS
I shall break the teams down by positions, and see who has the upper hand (at least on paper and as per the form book)
Defence: The easiest analysis of this match. Julio Caesar is easily 2 notches above Stekelenburg (or whatever it is!). And the back four of Brazil has arguably been the best so far on display in South Africa. Not only are they stronger defensively, but even offensively Brazil’s back four have been massive. Maicon is better than the best wingers on most teams, Lucio has had 11 solo runs out of the defence in this WC, which is the third highest number of solo runs in this tourney, amongst all players, and Juan scored the opener in the second round defeat of Chile. While the Dutch defense has not made Robert Green blunders yet, it is also true that it is yet to face a line-up anywhere as potent as Brazil's. van Bronckhorst at left back will be found out by Maicon /Alves, and the central defenders are not exactly Cannavaro and Nesta (2006 versions ofcourse!). Advantage Brazil.
Midfield: Both teams have an array of talented players (the Dutch more than the Selecao) but have so far been pragmatic and clinical, without being adventurous. Both have been content to sit back and hit on the break. The Dutch have skipper van Bommel and de Jong, whereas Brazil has 2002 veteran Gilberto Silva along with anyone of Ramires, Elano, Felipe Melo or Kleberson. These pairs have provided the base from which talents such as Kaka, Robben, Sneijder, Robinho and van Persie have launched themselves. The only place where Brazil might have an edge here is the performance of the defensive midfielders, especially with van Bommel known to be a short fuse.
Forwards: Both teams possess an array of attacking talent that could win the WC. Robin van Persie, Kuyt, Elia, Fabiano and Nilmar are all capable of winning matches on their own. Fabiano has been in good form, Kuyt will always give a good fight, but van Persie is yet to rise to occasion. Elia has been impressive but the depth of the squad and the requirements of the formation means that he will mostly start on the bench. Equal here.
My pick: The match will probably not live up to the hype, but Brazil’s stronger defence and clinical attack should seal the day.
URUGUAY v/s GHANA
Defence: Both these teams have been very strong at the back, and the goalies have also been steady. Not much to choose here. While Uruguay have more experienced campaigners such as Lugano marshalling the back line, Ghana have done brilliantly to reach so far without Essien, and their back line has not been breached easily. Uruguay might miss the services of Godin, but overall, this should not be the difference. Draw.
Attack: Ghana has benefitted massively from the play of Anthony Annan, their holding midfielder and the wingers have taken advantage of this. Uruguay have been compact in the middle, but have re-jigged their system to make Forlan play in the hole. Forlan is extremely dangerous here since he has two good strikers to feed into and he is no slouch at finishing either. Ghana have created many chances, but wastefulness has often stopped them from scoring more. Gyan Asamoah has been inspirational upfront, and he could prove a difference maker. Luis Suarez scored a brace in the second round, and he seems to be peaking at the right time. Advantage Uruguay.
My pick: Defensively, both teams are compact and rugged, and the difference could be in the attack. Both create chances, but Uruguay has the luxury of two top notch finishers, and in what I expect to be a tight game, that could be vital. Ghana will surely have the home support, and if it goes to penalties, but I think the Latinos might just shade this. Expect extra time in this one.
